MARY AGNES DEMERE NORRIS

Mary Agnes Demere Norris, 80, of Water Valley ended her battle with ALS and went home to her heavenly father on September 11th, 2008. Graveside services will be held at the Water Valley Pioneer Cemetery September 20th at 10:00 am with Pastor Betty Dunavant of Water Valley United Methodist Church presiding. A memorial Service will be held at Water Valley United Methodist Church on September 29th at 2:00 pm. Arrangements are by Robert Massie Funeral Home. She was born January 17, 1928 to Frank H. and Mattie Bell McManus Demere at their home on the ranch. She graduated from Water Valley High School and the University of Texas at Austin, completing her dietetic internship in Oklahoma City. While in Oklahoma City, she met her husband, Larry Joe Norris, and they were married February 18, 1950. Her life was filled with her children and family, her church, and she loved sports of all types. She enjoyed volleyball, tennis, bicycling and encouraged her family to stay active. Mary Agnes and Larry lived in El Paso, Texas for 28 years and they were active charter members of Mountain View United Methodist. They returned to Water Valley in 1983 to care for her mother. She worked for the Water Valley Schools and became very active in the Exes association. Mary Agnes was preceded in death by her mother, father and brother Frank Demere, Jr. She is survived by her husband; Larry Norris of Water Valley, brother George W. and wife Harriet Demere , four daughters and their husbands, Linda and Dave Swartz of Lubbock, Nancy and Jim Woolway of Coronado, California, Karen and Ron Stroope of Smyer, Texas and Deana and Greg Gray of Sweetwater, Texas. She leaves 10 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, many loving nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. Pallbearers will include her grandsons, Alan Swartz, Brian Swartz, Kary Cooper, Brent Longworth, Rob Underwood, and nephews Kevin Young, Cade Demere, and Brock Demere. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Water Valley United Methodist Church, The Fun Run and Walk to DEFEAT ALS in San Angelo October 25th, or a charity of choice. The family would especially like to thank Vista Care Hospice, Mary's special care givers Theresa Lewis, Tina Luna, Dale Templeton and Denette Trimble of MedWay Medical Equipment.